So, keeping fast hold of Mr Premium's arm, they entered the Fair; and if at a distance they were confused with the clamour and din of the crowd, they were beyond measure astonished when they got into the thick of it. Here was French row, Dutch row, Belgian row, Irish row, English row, and Scotch row; the chief crowd, however, was in the English row, which was so choked up at times with buyers and sellers, that it was not possible to move along at all. But as most people were glad to make way for Premium, who was well known there and much respected, the pilgrims got along the rows better than they thought. "What will you buy, worthy gentlemen--what will you buy?" exclaimed many voices as they passed. "Buy any Pennsylvanians, gents?" said a man in the raiment of a Quaker. "Heavy stock, heavy stock, Jonathan!" cried another. "Buy my Mexicans--best Mexicans!" said a third. "Would not take a present of them gratis," cried a fourth. "Spanish three's reduced--who'll buy?" said a fifth. "Reduced to nothing," said a sixth. "Portuguese deferred annuities?" said a seventh. "Deferred to the day of judgment," answered an eight. "Glenmutchkins--guaranteed stock, 5 premium, _ex div._," said a ninth. "Won't do, Sauley," said a tenth--"won't do at any price." And so on it went, all the dealers bawling and squabbling together, and trying to depreciate one another's wares. But, in the meantime, a certain one came up to Littlefaith in the crowd, and seeing him in company with Premium, he asked him if he were inclined to sell his scrip. Whereupon Littlefaith, turning round, saw that it was his old neighbour, Plausible, and answering, said, "Of a truth such was my errand hither, but what with the din and bustle about me, I doubt I shall never pluck up heart to find a purchaser." "I fear, neighbour Littlefaith," said Plausible, "thou art in the right, and let me tell thee that same scrip of thine is little in favour here; howbeit, for the sake of old acquaintance, I would not have thee return empty--I will buy thy wares of thee. Thou canst not expect of me much profit, but here are twenty crowns, which will defray thy travelling charges--and leave thee a something over beside. Mayhap I may be able some time or other to find a purchaser. There is the money. Give me the scrip quickly; for I see a certain friend of mine, Mr By-ends, who beckoneth to me, and cannot wait." Then did Littlefaith take the crowns, and give unto Plausible the scrip, which when he had put into his bosom, he smiled and hastened away. When Littlefaith came back to Stagman, he told him what he had done. "Thou faint-hearted fool!" said Stagman, "knowest thou not thy wares were well worth a hundred crowns, which, I warrant thee, Plausible will make of them before the market is over. Out upon thee for a crazed coxcomb! get thee gone, and trouble us no more in this matter." "Better is a bird in the hand than two in the bush," said Littlefaith; and so saying, he departed.